By Jabali Media
Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners’ selection panel have been sworn-in.
The 9 were sworn in at a ceremony presided over by the Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome, on Monday 27 January, 2025.
The swearing in came on the backdrop of a decision made by the High Court on Friday 24 January, 2025, which lifted the earlier stay orders barring their appointment and subsequent swearing in.
They are: Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman.
They will be responsible for the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and members of IEBC.
In her address, CJ Koome called on the members to execute their mandate with diligence, fairness, and transparency.
“The oath you have taken today is a solemn pledge to serve Kenya with unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. The decisions you make will shape not just the 2027 elections, but the future of our democracy. Rise to this occasion with honour, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty. Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she said.
Earlier, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula had directed Clerk of the Senate and Secretary, Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements, required to facilitate the work of the panel as obligated by the law.
“Following the gazettement of the members of the IEBC Selection Panel by the President this morning, I have communicated to the Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to facilitate the work of the Panel as obligated by the law. The Act obligates the Commission to provide secretariat services, facilities to the Panel and to meet its expenditure. Further, noting this is a matter of huge national importance, I urge the Selection Panel to expedite and conclude the recruitment process of the IEBC commissioners, at the earliest available opportunity in accordance with the law,” the Speaker wrote in a social media post.
IEBC remains dysfunctional since former chairman Wafula Chebukati, and Commissioners Boya Molu and Professor Andi Guliye retired in January 2023.
Before then, four commissioners led by former Vice chairperson Juliana Cherera resigned from office.